Stanford Business Essentials (SBE)
Executive Education from Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford Business Essentials (SBE) gives you the business knowledge and confidence to take control of your career. Employers look for employees who can deliver results right away by understanding the essentials – SBE helps you stand out from the crowd.
SBE is a straightforward, high-impact online program from Stanford Graduate School of Business. Learn from world-class faculty who have taught programs for CEOs, Silicon Valley startups, and Fortune 500 leaders, while gaining practical, real-world concepts through four foundational courses:
- Economics and Strategy
- Data and Decision-Making
- Finance and Accounting
- Communication and Influence
- Register By April 1, 2026. Start Date April 15, 2026.
- Fee $800 (STAP-eligible). Program fees are non-refundable after registration date.
- For any questions, reach out to sbeprogram@stanford.edu
At-a-Glance
Asynchronous online
6-10 hours/week
Key Benefits
SBE equips you with the strategic, financial, analytical, and communication knowledge needed to accelerate your career growth. Upon completion of this program, you will impress employers by gaining:
- Stronger business acumen – Build a solid foundation in core business concepts that drive organizational success.
- Greater confidence and clarity at work – Navigate your organization with a clearer understanding of the business landscape, internal dynamics, and strategic priorities.
- Improved decision-making – Make smarter, more informed decisions with a practical toolkit grounded in data and business fundamentals.
- Financial fluency – Develop the ability to interpret financial reports, evaluate trade-offs, and make resource-savvy decisions that support long-term business growth.
- Enhanced communication and collaboration – Strengthen your interpersonal skills to communicate clearly, build relationships, and work more effectively across teams and functions.
- Recognition of readiness – Earn a prestigious certificate that signals your commitment, capabilities, and potential – whether you’re seeking a new role, more responsibility, or a promotion.
Faculty Leadership
Jesper B. Sørensen
The Robert A. and Elizabeth R. Jeffe Professor, and Professor of Organizational Behavior
Director, Executive Program in Strategy and Organization Co-Director, Stanford Business Essentials
Learn more about Jesper on the GSB website.
Paul Oyer
The Mary and Rankine Van Anda Entrepreneurial Professor and Professor of Economics
Co-Director, Harnessing Al for Breakthrough Innovation and Strategic Impact
Co-Director, Stanford Business Essentials
Learn more about Paul on the GSB website.
Other Faculty
Anne Beyer
The Staehelin Family Professor of Accounting
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Learn more about Anne on the GSB website.
Yossi Feinberg
The Adams Distinguished Professor of Management and Professor of Economics
Dhirubhai Ambani Faculty Fellow in Entrepreneurship for 2025–2026
Learn more about Yossi on the GSB website.
Nir Halevy
The Jagdeep and Roshni Singh Professor of Organizational Behavior
Hank McKinnell-Pfizer Inc. Faculty Fellow for 2025–2026
Learn more about Nir on the GSB website.
Benoît Monin
The Bowen H. and Janice Arthur McCoy Professor of Ethics, Psychology, and Leadership
Professor of Psychology, School of Humanities and Sciences
Learn more about Benoit on the GSB website.
Joshua D. Rauh
The Ormond Family Professor of Finance
Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution
Senior Fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research
Learn more about Joshua on the GSB website.
Daniela Saban
Associate Professor of Operations, Information & Technology
Botha-Chan Faculty Scholar for 2025–2026
Learn more about Daniela on the GSB website.
Zakary Tormala
The Laurence W. Lane Professor of Behavioral Science and Marketing
Learn more about Zakary on the GSB website.